Rugby flows through the veins of many Pretorians across all divides. A popular slogan and newspaper headline for the city is “Our blood is blue” and this is commonly used to describe the fans of the Pretoria based South African Rugby Union team: the Blue Bulls. Rugby mania is especially evident on match days, when the Jacaranda City turns blue. People wear their Bulls jerseys to work, blue flags are hoisted wherever possible and souvenirs and bulls products are sold on the street corners of the City of Tshwane.

If it’s possible to culminate all of this hype and excitement to one focal point, only one place will be suited for such an honour; labelled by some a mecca for Bulls supporters: the one and only Loftus Versfeld.

Background to Loftus Versfeld

The area where the complex is located today was first used as a sports field in 1906. Originally known as the Eastern Sports Grounds; it got the name Loftus Versfeld in 1932. Loftus is named after Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld, who is seen as the founder of organised sport in the Pretoria area. Over the years the stadium grew from its humble beginnings into a world class Rugby and Football Stadium which now can seat around 50000 spectators. Loftus has successfully hosted matches for the 1995 Rugby World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Loftus Versfeld was featured in the Clint Eastwood film Invictus, which starred Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar and Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela. The match featured was between England and South Africa and took place on 4 June 1994.

Home of the Blue Bulls

The stadium is the home ground of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, (known as the “Blou Bulle” in Afrikaans and also known as just “the Bulls” during the Super Rugby Season). They are probably one of the most prominent rugby unions in South Africa, as they are the only team in the country to have won the Super Rugby professional series, which they have done three times. They are also one of the top performing teams in the Currie Cup Tournaments.

Stadium name changing

The Stadium has gone through a variety of name changes, especially due to sponsorships: Eastern Sportsground (1914), Loftus Versfeld (1934), Minolta Loftus (1998), Securicor Loftus (2003) and back to Loftus Versfeld Stadium when Vodacom became the major sponsor of the stadium (2005).

More than just rugby

Loftus is not just a rugby stadium. One of the Pretoria based Premium Soccer League teams: Mamelodi Sundowns frequently use the stadium for their matches. It’s also used by Kaizer Chiefs from time to time and hosts major regional and national soccer matches.

In 2010 Loftus hosted 6 soccer matches for the FIFA World Cup. Spain, who eventually became the winners of the Cup, was among the teams who played here. Other notable international teams that played here have been Manchester United and Manchester City.

The stadium has also hosted many musical events including concerts by UB40, Celine Dion and Robbie Williams, with some of these concerts drawing crowds of up to about 80,000 people.

Visiting Loftus

As one of the notable landmarks of Pretoria, it’s well worth a visit even if you are not a big sports fan. Very few people are aware that the stadium grounds are open to the public and that you might just stand the chance of bumping into a 107kg Pierre Spies while walking around the premises. The fields that surround the stadium are easily accessible; and fans, young and old, are able to watch their heroes practice.

While walking around the stadium it would be difficult not to be overwhelmed by the brutal style of the architecture, purposefully exposing the raw metal and brick of the structure, so fitting for the sport of rugby. You also might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the empty centre field through an open door while circumnavigating the massive stadium.

At the main entrance you will find two large statues: a bull, the symbol of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, and another of an “unknown rugby player”, honouring all the heroes of Loftus Versfeld.

Also on the premises and well worth a visit, are the Blue Bulls Shop and Trademarx Restaurant & Bar. Both are open daily. The Blue Bulls Shop stocks not just Blue Bulls products but also Springbok and other regional teams clothes and products. Open from 07:00 until late during the week you can grab a bite, a beer or coffee at Trademarx while watching the Bulls practising on the adjacent field.

For a tour of the stadium

Note that the centre field, the tunnel, the Blue Bulls museum and Blue Bulls locker room can only be visited via a guided tour which should be arranged prior to visit. Contact Saartjie Oliver on 012 420 0700.

Going to Loftus for a Blue Bulls match

Much happens on a match day at Loftus. Apart from the obvious match on the main field, spectators can visit the Fan Park on the D-field; where there is fun for the whole family. This include the Bulls Pen with the Bulls Mega dunk, the Kids’ Corner, beer tents and much more.

You are usually allowed to bring food and drinks into the stadium, but tins, bottles, glasses, hard cool bags, alcohol, fire arms, horns and fire crackers are not allowed.

There is a mobile Absa ATM at the D-field during match days. There is also an ATM at Trademarx Restaurant (opposite the B-field) as well as at the Eastwood Shopping Centre which is three blocks from the stadium.

You can purchase tickets for rugby matches at the Loftus’ ticket office (012 420 0700) on weekdays from 8:00 – 16:00 and on match days from 8:00 onwards at the BLUE containers situated at the Lynnwood entrance and at Kirkness Street.

Venue hire for events and corporate functions

Various other facilities are also available at Loftus. Venues can be hired for corporate functions or events, which include, the actual stadium, adjacent fields, the auditorium, board halls, and suites.

Contact person for all venue hire is Bronwyn or Esterlene (012) 420 0700.

Location

The stadium is located about 5 km from the city centre at 440 Kirkness Street, Arcadia, Pretoria and comprises of the stadium and a collection of fields and facilities. (GPS Co-ordinates: 25° 45´ 10,67´´ S 28° 13´ 22,07´´ E).

The stadium is easily reached by car and Gautrain. On non-event days, you can use the public entrance located on Lynwood street and park next to stadium. The Trademarx Restaurant and Bar and Blue Bulls shop have their own parking; entrance located on Kirkness Street.

On most major event days, spectators can use Park and Ride option from selected shopping malls.